Lrg caboose-tights,shorts, or skort??

[Wannabe]

I'm a bit larger in the caboose than your average cyclist, but I need a new pair of something to wear for my road rides. I am pretty selfconscious in the tight riding shorts, so I don't know which would be the better choice of attire for me. Loose fit shorts?? or a skort?? Any ideas out there?? LBS doesn't have anything but the regular tight road shorts, so I'll have to order from a catalog or online. Thanks in advance!! Also, any not so tight jersies??

[Nanci]

I'd still vote for regular bike shorts- I know there are manufacturers who make them in large sizes (Terry?). Trouble with anything else is your shorts get hung up getting on the bike, on the front of the saddle, plus bike shorts are just so comfortable! Buy a mens jersey in a looser fit- (I think the not-so-tight fit is called "club") and let it hang down to cover you up a bit. I don't know how big your caboose is :-) but until recently I was 178, (I'm 5'2") and the lycra shorts made me feel skinnier, or at least more athletic-looking.

Nanci

[Surlygirl]

Hi Wannabe, I'm short and stocky so the shorts alone never look good on me. I wear primal wear lycra shorts and then a tennis skirt over them. they pull on so no zippers or buttons to hassle with. I also like the skorts. I've never had a problem with them catching on the saddle and I just feel better going into stores or cafes with them.

[DirtDiva]

I've never had any problems with my mtb baggies getting caught on the saddle of my mtb. The only problems I have had have been with liners that got all old and stretched and stuff (which will happen to pretty much anything evetually). Maybe it would be more of a problem with the less upright position on a road bike? I don't know, and I guess I don't know what kind of bike you are riding either. Anyway, I'm pretty sure they have some plus-size mtb shorts right here on TE, if you think you would like to go that way.

Yep, here they are: http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=14891

[Deborajen]

When I first started riding, my husband gave me a pair of cycling shorts for my birthday. I looked at them and thought there was no way I'd wear something that tight on my big rear end, so I wore them under hiking shorts for two or three rides. Loved them so much I pitched the cover-up - just wore a longer and more loose fitting top. I've seen other women do that and it does seem to look good, regardless of how big or small they are. You see more than just a butt on a bike when you're following them. Plus, it's still comfortable and the loose fabric is out of the way where it needs to be.

It helps to remember that cyclists come in all shapes and sizes. In the September issue of Bicycling magazine, there is a picture of a 5'10'' 290 lb. man in spandex on his bike. He's cycling to get in shape. Good for him - good for everyone to ride. Be comfortable - and keep riding.

Deb

[Kimred]

I like Mens InSport Cycling shorts they are a bit roomier in the leg. I also wear loose Running T-shirts and tanks that wick away sweat during long hot rides.

[Surlygirl]

For cooler weather riding I also like the sporthill tights. They are roomier and you can wear bike shorts under them. TE has some called Voyage. I have the xc ones and I like that they are not skin tight.

[latelatebloomer]

My sweet caboose is very happy in the Terry 1x shorts (I'm 5'5". 220some-lbs.) I felt self-conscious at first, but I can't imagine having extra material flapping around. Even if I don't exactly look sleek, I FEEL sleek The shorts are pricey & my budget is tight - I've been able to find a couple nice synthetic v-neck T-shirts to use as jerseys. They weren't designed to be jerseys, but I love them to death & they were only 9 bucks each in the plus size dept. of Marshalls. So I guess there are innumerable solutions to our wardrobe problems if we get creative!!

[Quillfred]

I, uh, like the longer shorts It prevents the "sausage thing" from happening. Had to give away a new pair of Trashy Cat shorts because they fit small and shorter than I like.

I like being able to wear loud and outrageous clothes! I don't understand why someone would buy drab bike clothes anyway. It seems too dangerous.

Carole

[greenchick]

I like being able to wear loud and outrageous clothes! I don't understand why someone would buy drab bike clothes anyway. It seems too dangerous.

Yes! In off-the-bike life, about 90% of my clothes are black, but on the bike, the need for visibility is just an excuse for indulging a secret taste for the most outrageous colors out there.

I also find that as long as I'm moving, I don't even think about the fact that I'm wearing bike shorts -- it's only at the end of the ride that I say, "huh, I've been parading my a$$ all over town in lycra and neon yellow -- ya think someone might have seen me?"

[doctorfrau]

Yes! In off-the-bike life, about 90% of my clothes are black, but on the bike, the need for visibility is just an excuse for indulging a secret taste for the most outrageous colors out there.

I also find that as long as I'm moving, I don't even think about the fact that I'm wearing bike shorts -- it's only at the end of the ride that I say, "huh, I've been parading my a$$ all over town in lycra and neon yellow -- ya think someone might have seen me?"

Ya - isn't it empowering to NOT care what you look like - even for just a LITTLE while?

[Trekhawk]

I'm a bit larger in the caboose than your average cyclist, but I need a new pair of something to wear for my road rides. I am pretty selfconscious in the tight riding shorts, so I don't know which would be the better choice of attire for me. Loose fit shorts?? or a skort?? Any ideas out there?? LBS doesn't have anything but the regular tight road shorts, so I'll have to order from a catalog or online. Thanks in advance!! Also, any not so tight jersies??

Hi Wannabe - Im with the girls go the cycling shorts. Dont worry about how you think they look because Im sure if you are like the rest of us you are your most severe critic. I was also a bit concerned when I started cycling (those old legs sure dont look like they use to) but if you have been to the local pool lately you will see that hey bike shorts hide a lot more sins then some of those bikinis.

[bcipam]

Best profile, regular cycling shorts with Chamois (Terry makes shorts in many sizes and lengths) and a longer fitting jersey. Buy a man's for a longer length to provide ample coverage. I like skorts and mountain bike shorts but I think they make me look even hippier plus its more bulk under the jersey. A proper fitting jersey makes all the difference in the world and 'sides, you are cycling. Don't worry about what folks think - you are out there exercizing.